The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock stated that it has distributed seeds and plants to grow saffron, heng, cotton, castor, aloe vera, and sesame to farmers as alternatives to poppy cultivation.

Misbahuddin Mustaeen, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized that following the Islamic Emirate leader’s decree banning poppy cultivation, no poppy crops are currently grown in any part of Afghanistan.

According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, the Ministry has also established citrus orchards for farmers in various provinces and launched diverse training programs for them.

Misbahuddin Mustaeen said, “We have introduced alternative crops, including medicinal plants like heng and economically viable plants such as saffron, aloe vera, citrus orchards, honey production, and pear orchards.”

Abdul Zahoor Madabar, an economic analyst, said, “Afghanistan has a very favorable climate, allowing us to offer many crops as alternatives, such as saffron, licorice, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, grapes, pomegranates, and others. Each of these can play a significant role in enhancing the economy.”

Meanwhile, some farmers are requesting additional support from the Islamic Emirate for alternative crop cultivation.

Shah Mohammad, a farmer, told TOLOnews, “We were told we’d be given other seeds like wheat to prevent us from growing poppies and dealing in narcotics, but so far, we have not received any.”

Mohammad Sabir, another farmer, said, “We request that the government assist us by distributing improved seeds and other essentials.”

Previously, the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock reported that after the ban on poppy cultivation, approximately 100,000 tons of improved seeds and 200,000 tons of chemical fertilizers were distributed to farmers across the country with the support of domestic and international organizations.